The Fire Safety Commission is statutorily charged with promulgating all rules and regulations for the implementation of a statewide plan for the installation of automatic sprinklers in all buildings and structures of more than seventy feet in height. The Fire Safety Commission is composed of nine members. Contact the Commission at (978) 567-3181.

Fire Safety Commission Regulations -(These are un-official versions of 527 CMR regulations and are provided as a convenience to the public. DFS uses its best efforts to update these documents, however for official use please contact the Secretary of the Commonwealth's office.)

The Automatic Sprinkler Appeals Board (ASAB) of the Commission, a five member hearing board, conducts hearings for persons seeking relief from orders or requirement of the head of the fire department, issued pursuant to M.G.L. c. 148 sections 26A ½, 26G, 26G ½, and 26H. For ASAB hearings, the presence of the appellant, and the head of the fire department or designee/agent is strongly recommended. To request an appeal application, or for further information, please call the ASAB Administrative Assistant at (978) 567-3181.

Filing ASAB Appeals: All appeals must be filed within 45 days (calendar days) after receiving service of notice of the head of the fire department's determination. All appeals require the submission of the formal application form (8 copies), a copy of the head of the fire department's written determination, a written explanation of relief request, and a $100.00 file fee.

For additional information about hearings before the Board, please see the following two memorandums issued by the board:

Special Alert:The Sprinkler Appeals Board hears appeals of determinations issued by heads of fire departments relating to the new sprinkler requirements relating to nightclubs, dance halls, discotheques, bars and similar entertainment facilities in existing buildings (M.G.L. c. 148, s.26G1/2). To assist persons who are seeking information about this new law the Board has provided the following information:

Changes to MGL C148 s 26G Sprinkler Law Take Effect Jan 1, 2010.

The Automatic Sprinkler Appeals Board has issued guidance on recent amendments to M.G.L. c. 148, s. 26G (Chapter 508 of the Acts of 2008) which requires enhanced sprinkler protection in certain buildings which total more than 7,500 gross square feet in floor area. These changes to the law take effect January 1, 2010.

ASAB CASE #05-23: 91 Manville Street, Leicester (M.G.L. c.148,s.26G1/2) : The Board determined that a facility used for "organized private dining events" was not subject to the retrofit sprinkler requirements of M.G.L. c. 148, s.26G1/2. The Board established 7 specific characteristics that should be present for such buildings to be exempt from the enhanced sprinkler requirements of the new law. The Board also noted that statute allows for "temporary use" of certain buildings as a nightclub, dance hall, discotheque or bar or similar entertainment purpose without the need for sprinklers if a permit is issued by the head of the fire department in consultation with the building inspector who may set the terms and conditions to protect against fire and preserve public safety.

ASAB # 05-18, 63 Webster Street, Fall River (M.G.L. c.148, 26G1/2): This case presented an establishment that featured characteristics of both a restaurant (which is specifically exempt from the law) and a bar. The Board established a two-part analysis of the building's characteristics to determine if such "combination" establishments, or portions thereof, are subject to the new sprinkler requirements of M.G.L. c. 148, s.26G1/2.

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